my story of change

A wanderlust, nomad, immigrant, expat.

I’m a mixed-race human born in Singapore [home #1] who drummed and sang like a local as part of an Afro-Brazilian street band at the Rio de Janeiro carnival [home #8]; ran wild under the Northern Lights like a local [wannabe Viking] while camping in the rugged terrain of Iceland [home #4]; got hooked on psychedelic rock, turning into an intermittent groupie [a passing Deadhead] of the Grateful Dead in Ohio, USA [home #3]; let my hair down in my new found freedom as a young teen including snacking on Snicker bars for breakfast everyday [not like a local] in Toronto, Canada [home #2]; lived abundance in Pavia, Italy [home #5] with my own field of organic veggies [crediting my 80-year-old gardener for their survival] and a ride in a Ferrari that drove like the wind through the Italian and French Rivieras; discovered the beauty of breaks in Barcelona, Spain [home #6] - the short ‘siestas,’ the long ones, and the life-work balance, enjoying life [like a local] with a community of friends; thrilled to speak full-on English once again [like a local even if I didn’t always get the cockney accent] on the streets of London, England [home #7], socials in the pubs and champagne in the parks [in sunny weather, of course]. The good times!

Ups and downs of change.

Self-inflicted change on an explorer’s journey coupled with everyday living and surviving meant I would walk into an amplified plethora of emotions and thoughts that caused suffering - euphoria, frustration, delight, apprehension, relief, and angst happened sometimes all in a day. There were just as many down times as there were ups. There were the practical realities of dealing with new systems, bureaucracy, and learning a new language while starting over. And then, of course, there were the growing pains of transforming in this new reality [relationships, career]. No matter how many times I’ve done this, it was always hard to let go of my former life, sense of self, and identity [the bit that didn’t serve me anymore]. It took a lot of inner work to embrace the changes happening inside me while I sought to adapt and fit in. Yes, growth requires us to leave somethings behind - our habits, beliefs, careers, mindset, and people. Learning, unlearning [what’s holding us back], reimagining, and reinventing were part of the process. Change happens to every one of us in every aspect of life whether you like it or not [I just pushed on the accelerator in my wanderlust life]. ‘We can’t always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it.’ [-unknown author]. I cried but I danced because I found out there is magic in new beginnings.

On belonging.

I felt I belonged everywhere I went, embraced by my many communities of family, friends, and colleagues. But is belonging about fitting in or is it about being true to yourself? I lit up when I read what Brené Brown wrote in her book Braving the Wilderness: ‘I feel I belong everywhere I go, no matter where it is or who I’m with as long as I never betray myself. And the minute I become who you want me to be in order to fit in and make sure people like me is the moment I no longer belong anywhere.” I wish I’d never betrayed myself but I know I have, many times. The vicious cycles of thoughts and limiting beliefs just followed me around the globe. Fear, discontent, or a state of feeling stuck resurfaces when I’m not being true to myself. So, I’m turning my focus inward, questioning unhealthy thoughts and long-standing limiting beliefs as the world spins forward - coaching has been my magic. As I continue on my own hero’s journey, I’m learning to embrace the fact that I belong everywhere and nowhere. I truly only belong to me - and knowing this has set me free.

Live freely.

What does it mean to me to live freely? It means lightening the load of thoughts and limiting beliefs that cause us suffering, unhealthy patterns set off by the need to meet cultural expectations and our own unrealistic ones. As a wanderlust soul, I’d sometimes feel irresponsible, ashamed, guilty, and misunderstood for my unconventional choices {I’m a bit of a firecracker and that’s ok]. Yet, when I take the time to look within, I’m able to remind myself of the many times I’d rise up stronger and resilient, and everything always turned out more than fine. There’s everything right about walking your own unique path - so, be you!

Career background / credentials

I also work in Communications, specializing in internal and change management communications. There’s a common ground in the work I do as a Communicator and a Coach and that is partnering with individuals and teams to see the possibilities for growth in any change, so they’re able to confidently take the next steps toward their goals.